Inherent requirements for Mathematics


Introduction

The Western Sydney University School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences strongly supports the right of all people to pursue a Mathematics degree.

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a program or subject that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge, and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the program or subject, while preserving the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. The inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge and skills needed to complete the program that must be met by all students.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

The School is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional practice and other activities to enable students to participate in their program. Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirements, or compromise the quality of teaching and learning, or change the standard of assessments.

Throughout their chosen program of study, students may be exposed to situations which may include mixed gender, religious and culturally diverse environments. Further information regarding specific activities within individual programs can be found in the University handbook or by contacting the corresponding Director of Academic Program.

To support prospective and current students’ decision making, a series of inherent requirement statements have been developed. These statements specify the essential skills, knowledge and abilities required for Mathematics degrees.  Students should use this information to make informed decisions about their chosen program of study. The statements are clustered under four domains consisting of ethical behaviour, communication, cognition, and sustained performance.

The inherent requirements outlined below provide a guide to inform decision making for students and staff.

How to read the inherent requirement statements

If you are intending to enrol in a Mathematics degree in the School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, you should look at these inherent requirement statements and think about whether you may experience challenges in meeting these requirements.

If you think you may experience challenges for any reason including a disability or chronic health condition, you should discuss your concerns with the relevant staff, such as the Director of Academic Program, Academic Program Advisor, School Disability Coordinator or Disability Advisor. These staff can work collaboratively with you to determine reasonable adjustments to assist you to meet the inherent requirements. In the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met with reasonable adjustments, the University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.

These inherent requirements should be read in conjunction with your chosen program of study’s information.

The inherent requirements are made up of the following five components:

  • Level 1 - introduction to the inherent requirement
  • Level 2 - description of the inherent requirement
  • Level 3 - explanation of why this is an inherent requirement of the program
  • Level 4 - the nature of any adjustments that may be made to allow you to meet the requirement
  • Level 5 - examples of tasks you must be able to do to show you have met the requirement. The exemplars provided are not intended as an exhaustive list.

Inherent requirement domains

There are four domains of inherent requirements in the Bachelor of Mathematics program:

  • Ethical behaviour
  • Communication
  • Cognition
  • Sustained performance

Inherent requirement statements

Ethical behaviour

  Inherent requirement statements
1

Students need to understand and act in ways that are consistent with the recognised values of society and in line with the Mathematics Threshold Learning Outcomes[1] (opens in a new window).

2 Student demonstrates knowledge of and engages in ethical behaviour.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

» Compliance with the recognised values of society and the Mathematics community (cf. Mathematics Threshold Learning Outcomes (opens in a new window)) facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students or the people with whom they interact.  This supports the physical and emotional wellbeing of all.

4

Adjustments must meet the necessary standards described above. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Disability Advisor.

5

Exemplars:

  • Engaging with peers in a professional and ethical manner.
  • Demonstrate ability to work and conform to expected ethical standards.

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Communication

  Inherent requirement statements
1 Students need to be able to follow and participate in the communication of mathematical content, in English, effectively in written and verbal contexts, and they must be respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic, and non-judgmental, consistent with the recognised values of society and in line with the Mathematics Threshold Learning Outcomes (opens in a new window).
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Capacity to understand and construct coherent written communication (in English) that is appropriate to circumstances and the discipline.
  • Ability to understand and respond to verbal communication (in English) accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner.
  • Ability to follow or provide clear instructions (in English) in the context of the situation and the discipline.
  • Ability to understand and act on or provide clear feedback (in English) in the context of the situation and the discipline.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Students need to be able to follow and understand explanations in lectures, tutorials, or workshops.
  • Developing written assessments that reflect the required academic standards is necessary for assessing learning outcomes, knowledge, and understanding of relevant subject matter.
  • Communicating in a way that displays respect and empathy to others is conducive to developing trusting relationships and collaborative work.
  • Shared communication is necessary for effective provision of advice and for resolving complex tasks in the program.
4Adjustments must meet the necessary standards described above.  Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Disability Advisor, these may include the use of sign language and/or augmentative and alternative communication.
5

Exemplars:

  • Following the communication in lectures, tutorials, or workshops, and engaging with others appropriately during group work and group discussions.
  • Constructing written assessments that demonstrate understanding and meet academic standards.
  • Interpreting and presenting mathematical arguments correctly.

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Cognition

This program requires knowledge of theory and the skills of cognition, literacy and numeracy.

Knowledge and cognitive skills:

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Sustained performance

  Inherent requirement statements
1 Succeeding in mathematics requires both commitment and intellectual performance at a consistent and sustained level over time.
2

Student demonstrates:

  • Commitment to focus on problems and work towards a solution, even if there are temporary setbacks.
  • Ability to work with a high level of concentration over an extended period of time.
3

Justification of inherent requirement:

  • Sufficient mental endurance is an essential requirement for solving mathematical or statistical problems.
4Adjustments must meet the necessary standards described above.  Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Disability Advisor.
5

Exemplars:

  • Regularly participating in lectures, tutorials, and workshops.
  • Persistently working towards a solution of a mathematical problem, trying several approaches if necessary.

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